Applications are now open for ANYTOWN, an annual program for teens from different cultures, faiths, races and sexual orientation to come together for a week to learn about leadership and tolerance. The program is open to all high school students from Pinellas and Hillsborough County.
Run by Community Tampa Bay, ANYTOWN is filled with workshops and activities to allow students to get to know others from different socio-economic backgrounds, citizenships and ethnicities, said Program Director Samira Obeid. “It is an inclusive situation. As long as space is available, everyone who applies can participate,” said Obeid.
The event averages 50-60 participants. The five-day, four-night session breaks students into groups, each with an adult volunteer.
Every participant is a delegate of their school and community, learning to live, learn and socialize with people a bit different from themselves. Due to COVID-19, Community Tampa Bay is currently working to determine if the sessions will be live or online. ANYTOWN had to be cancelled last year, due to the pandemic. This year’s sessions are scheduled for June and July.
“When delegates graduate from ANYTOWN, they will have engaged in transformative dialogue and meaningful cross-cultural interaction and be ready to build inclusive schools and communities free from all forms of discrimination,” according to Community Tampa Bay. They will also have opportunities throughout the year to interact, including a trip to Tallahassee to meet with legislators and advocacy groups to learn about and advocate against discrimination through legislative policy.
Applications to the program can be found on Community Tampa Bay’s website.
